British Army Unveils New Physical Employment Standards (PES)

In September 2018, the British Army demonstrated its new In-Service Physical Employment Standards (PES) for all ground close combat roles which will come into effect for the “Infantry and Royal Armoured Corps” from April 2019 (Soldier, 2018, p.7). Tests tailored to other soldier roles will be introduced in 2021.

“It is envisaged the incoming system will be up and running in April next year, when fresh measures to replace the Personal Fitness Assessment will also be introduced.” (Soldier, 2018, p.7).

Current policy on physical employment standards had not been changed for 20 years and needed updating.

There was some concerns that the annual set of assessments they replace – based around an eight-mile
loaded march – is out of step with operational requirements and leaves soldiers vulnerable to injuries.

The new PES are objective, measurable, role-related and gender-free to ensure Army personnel have the physical capability to meet the necessary force preparation and operational requirements.

The PES will be incorporated into a new structured suite of Army Role Fitness Tests – a series of tests to assess whether personnel are fit for a specific role.